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New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012 (page 2)

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Cover art for CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
by Chuck Close
"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself. (timeline, glossary, list of resources and illustration credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
A magnificent interactive "face book" portrait of the artist. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS!
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca
"A quick, amusing read with an easily digestible environmental message; it is a perfect match for its young intended audience. (Fiction. 6-9)"
Third-grader Marty and her classmates are given a challenge by a visiting environmentalist: to develop Earth-friendly projects that she will then judge. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
by Robert Neubecker, illustrated by Robert Neubecker
"One romping celebration of boyhood to read again and again. (Picture book. 3-8)"
"What are little boys made of?" In Neubecker's hands, the answer is a whole lot of fun! Read full book review >
Cover art for LITTLE BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star LITTLE BIRD
by Germano Zullo, illustrated by Albertine, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick
"Adult explication may be needed for the textual rubric; the visually told story is enthralling all on its own. (Picture book. 6-8, adult)"
Uplifting in more ways than one, this prizewinning import suggests that little things can change lives--and perhaps even the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE
by Lutricia Clifton
"The pace in this debut is leisurely, but readers, like the town folk and his newfound family, will be rooting for Frankie Joe. The final scenes soar with hope. (Fiction. 8-12)"
While his mom is in jail, Frankie Joe tries to adjust to living with his newly surfaced father, FJ, his stepmother and "the four legitimate Huckaby sons." Read full book review >
Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star IT JES' HAPPENED: WHEN BILL TRAYLOR STARTED TO DRAW
by Don Tate, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
"An important picture-book biography that lovingly introduces this "outsider" artist to a new generation. (source notes, afterword) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Tate and Christie capture the spirit behind the work of Bill Traylor, "one of the most important self-taught American folk artists of the twentieth century." Read full book review >
Cover art for HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star HEROES OF THE SURF
by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
"Riveting reading, well-timed for the centennial of the Titanic's sinking. (afterword) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Based on a true story of shipwreck and rescue, Carbone's tale is leavened with narration by Anthony, a venturesome lad whose penchant for playing pirates helps him through the harrowing event. Read full book review >